Rockford Revisited
Deborah L. Johns
…and to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street
Dr. Seuss
The Rock River flows from northern Wisconsin. It’s wide and often slow meandering
path divides the center of Rockford, a riverfront community in northern Illinois. The
reflection of the sun, the moon, and the stars on the river’s surface are the only constant
in Rockford’s ever changing downtown landscape. Rockford, Illinois has its own
Mulberry Street. Take your students on a walk down Mulberry Street and see the sights
in downtown Rockford . Take them on a walk back through time and see Rockford as it
once was.
Drawn to the Riverfront
Early European settlers to the northern Illinois area were both drawn to and divided by
the Rock River. Development along the east and west banks of the river was begun by
two different men. Each man had his own plan for the area and each had no intention of
connecting his settlement with the other man’s. Evidence of this caustic relationship
Between Germanicus Kent and Daniel Shaw Haight can be seen in old drawings and
photographs of early Rockford. This friction is evident in a birds-eye photograph of
“cock-eyed” bridges beginning on the east side of the river and extending to the west.
The rift caused early bridges to cross the river at odd angles because neither man wanted
his side of the river to connect with the other. Each hoped to keep any further
development from crossing the river and neither wanted to acknowledge any progress
made by the other (Cunningham, 2001).
Evidence of Rockford’s Past
Rockford’s history students might enter into the fray by seeing the old photographs of
the period Many old photographs can be seen in several books that are currently
available from local bookstores. These photographs have been compiled by Rockford
writers in a variety of formats. Jerry Andreen is a Rockford native and an avid stamp and
postcard collector. His compilation, A Postcard History of Winnebago: Turn of the
Century, is a visual investigation of Rockford’s past. Jon Lundin, a Rockford historian,
and Pat Cunningham, a Rockford Register Star columnist, have both chronicled the past
in their comprehensive photo essays (Lynch-Brown & Tomlinson, 1999). Lundin wrote
Rockford : An Illustrated History in 1989 and Cunningham produced Rockford: Big
Town – Little City over ten years later.
Because the purchase of a classroom set of history resources such as these
would be both expensive and impractical, there are other ways to utilize these texts. The
photographs could be presented to the students in the form of a Power Point presentation.
While the use of technology in the classroom is undisputed, one might argue that Power
Point can sometimes be a fairly passive and often ineffective means to teach and learn
history. The photographs might be better utilized by presenting them in a format
designed by Teacher’s Curriculum Institute, an educational plan centered on experiential
learning.
This excellent learning series provides a very clear guide for teachers to follow. At
the same time, it is easily adaptable to suit various curricula. History teachers will find
a lesson plan that can be improvised and designed around slides created from old
photographs. Once prepared, the slides can be best utilized by projecting the visual
evidence of old Rockford onto a large auditorium sized screen. The screen should be
floor level so that students can stand in front of an image and take their “place” in history.
A photograph of a street scene from downtown Rockford, complete with an old fashioned
milk cart, will turn from merely a set to an interactive backdrop as students step “into”
the picture. While scripted dialogues may ensue, a more creative and engaging exchange
would be one in which engaged students ad lib, guided by their own understanding and
interpretation of the period.
Mulberry Street
Once students have found their place from a historical perspective, a trip to Mulberry
Street and other Rockford streets would give students an opportunity to connect
Rockford’s past with the present. They would now see Rockford from a different point of
view. West from the River, between Mulberry Street and State Street , students will find
the Rockford Public Library, one of Rockford’s early landmarks. A relatively new
façade sits in front of the Main Library which was built in 1901, using funds from
philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s nationwide campaign to build libraries.
The library once drew Rockford citizens by the hundreds to the downtown area.
Recreational activities during the cold Midwest winters would include ice skating on the
Rock River. Throngs of skaters would be drawn to the frozen river. While this is no
longer a viable recreational option, the Riverview Ice House, located across the river
from the library, is open all year. This indoor skating facility is maintained by the
Rockford Park District
Today, Rockford Public Library house Local History and Genealogy Room. (see
Appendix) John Molyneaux is the curator of this reference collection of early Rockford
artifacts. Students of history would find the extensive selection of genealogy materials
quite valuable in their study of local history and folklore.
Early Settlement
An extensive study of the early Rockford settlers would not be complete without a visit to
the sculpture located in Founders Park, near Davis Park and the Old Post Office building
in downtown Rockford. Rockford schoolchildren, knowing the background of the early
founders of Rockford, would find this artist’s rendering quite interesting. This sculpture
located west of the river near Davis Park and the Old Post Office, depicts life size images
of Germanicus Kent and his fellow settlers, Thatcher Blake and Lewis Lemon. The
image of this muscular entourage that settled the west side of the rocky ford will give
students a better appreciation for the toil and tribulation of early settlement. This sight is
located only three short blocks north of the State Street bridge and four blocks north of
the library. A walk west along the riverbank gardens of Davis Park will lead you to the
statue. What better way to introduce today’s young citizens to the earliest settlers of
Rockford or “Kentville”? (Lundin p. 26)
European Influence
Once being introduced to the earliest settlers of the west bank of the Rock River, a
visit to Tinker Swiss Cottage is in order. Robert Tinker built his west side chalet on the
high bluffs overlooking Kent Creek. Tinker cottage was built in 1865 by this well
traveled Rockford industrialist. The architecture of the cottage reflects Mr. Tinker’s
travels through Europe. This early Rockford home has been designated and registered as
a National Historic Landmark. Plans are underway to restore the swinging wooden
bridge built by a Tinker in order to him to easily reach the home of his sweetheart, Mary
Doer Manny, which lies directly across the creek from the Cottage. When she became his
wife, the Tinker’s spent the winter months in the Cottage and the summer months across
the creek.. The Cottage has been preserved and restored to its past splendor and is
maintained by the Rockford Park District as a museum. The museum offers educational
programs and tours throughout the year and often sponsors community events at the
cottage.
Transportation in Rockford
There have been many different types of transit used in Rockford’s past. Student
research of Rockford’s history might include the varied methods used throughout the
years. There was a time when riverboat travel was quite popular in the Rock River
valley. Jerry Andreen’s postcard collection of old Rockford includes pictures of the
Illinois, a paddlewheel steamship that once cruised the Rock River.
Cultural Heritage
A short ride north from downtown would take students to Greenwood Cemetery. The
gravesites of Lewis Lemon, Thatcher Blake, Mary Tinker, and other notable Rockford
residents are in this cemetery. A variety of activities would reveal information about the
rich cultural heritage of Rockford. It is important that students be reminded of the
reverence necessary for a visit such as this. Dividing students into investigative teams is
one way to create manageable groups. A pre-visit to the site in order to prepare a guide for
students is recommended. The Rockford Historical Association has prepared a cemetery
walk and would be helpful in planning your trip and guide. Asking specific questions
during the cemetery study would help keep students engaged in this historical exploration.
(Hammerman. 2001). (see Appendix)
Researching Rockford’s past is not, however, limited to these sources. There are many
other resources available to Rockford history students.(see Appendix)
Appendix
Rockford Revisited
D. Johns
Cemetery Study
Many communities have an old or historic cemetery nearby that can 0prove to be very
educational by revealing much information about the culture of the people who lived in the area
years ago. Recognizing the fact that burial grounds have always been considered sacred, visitors
should treat a cemetery with respect and care. Permission should be sought, if possible before
making a visit with a large group. Small investigating teams may prove to work very effectively
in seeking answers to the following guiding questions.
 When was the cemetery founded
 Who was the first person buried there? When? What was the age at the time of
death?
 What kinds of markers are used on the graves? Are these materials local to the area
or transported from elsewhere?
 Can the history or family tree of certain families be traced from the grave markers?
 How many different nationalities or countries are represented within the cemetery?
 What was the average life span of people in this community?
 Is there any evidence of plagues, epidemics, or wars? If so, what is it?
 Over the years, what were the changes, if any, in the types of markers used? In the
design? In the shapes? In the style of the epitaphs?
 Are all the inscriptions visible? What kinds of monuments show weathering? (
Making rubbings of inscriptions on gravestones might be an interesting activity)
 Do all the graves face in the same direction? If so, Why?
 Who lived longer in this community, men or women?
 Can the economic status of a family be determined in any manner?
 What feelings do you have about the people who are buried in this cemetery?
Teaching in the Outdoors
Donald R. Hammerman
William M. Hammerman
Elizabeth L. Hammerman
Greenwood Cemetery Map printed on a fan - used in Rockford
Historical Society sponsored cemetery walk. This map is
available through Midway Village and Museum Center,
Rockford, Illinois.
Rockford Public Library
Rockford Genealogy and History Room
Extensive genealogy materials available
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Early vital records of Winnebago County , 50+ rolls of microfilm - Birth 1877-1916, Marriage
1836-1916, Death 1877 - 1916 (Index on microfiche)
Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center Holdings Index on microfiche
Illinois statewide early marriages index - 1994 edition - microfiche
Some Boone County Vital, Probate and Cemetery microfiche
All of Illinois and Wisconsin federal censuses schedules and various census indexes
Hundreds of family histories and genealogies
County histories
Published immigration and passenger lists
Church and marriage records
Cemetery inscription books and plat maps in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, and Stephenson Counties
and similar material from other parts of Illinois and states in the region of concentration,
particularly New York and New England
Abstracted obituaries and death notices from the Rockford newspapers of 1840-1869
Death notice abstracts from the 'Crusader,' an Afro-American weekly newspaper published in
Rockford, first seven volumes November 1950 - October 1957
We are currently abstracting marriage notices from the Rockford newspapers of 1840 through
1869
Winnebago County Assessor's books - misc. collection 1852 - 1865
A genealogy consumer fraud file is maintained
Rockford Research
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Complete set of city directories from the earliest one, published in 1857.
Extensive collection of city high school annuals the earliest dated 1892
Microfilm of Rockford newspapers
Rockfordiana File - begun about 1940, many earlier newspapers were incorporated into it, many
subject areas predate 1940
Genealogical Periodicals
Complete runs of . . .
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New England Historical and Genealogical Register
The New York Genealogical Biographical Record
National Genealogical Society Quarterly
Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly
Swedish-American Genealogist
The Genealogical Helper
The American Genealogist is available in a run dating from 1940.
Newsletters and quarterlies from about a dozen regional genealogical societies, including the three
currently active in Rockford.
Rockford Revisited
Personal recollection
Deborah L. Johns
As an adolescent in Rockford, Illinois, I would finish my chores
on Saturday morning so that I could walk downtown. I entered a
teenager’s paradise, the shops of downtown Rockford. There were
several large “anchor” stores downtown at that time, D.J. Stewarts
being the most popular.
There were several five and dime stores such as Woolworths.
Woolworths had a lunch counter and we would stop there for French
fries and a Coke if we could scrape up enough babysitting money.
Small specialty shops filled the spaces in between. Stores like the California Shop, on
Mulberry Street, would entice us with West Coast treasures.
Shopping is no longer the drawing card to downtown that it was 35 years ago.
Controversy abounds over the direction the community should take in developing
downtown. Local developers are constantly presenting the city council with ideas.
Change is definitely once again in the forecast for downtown, Rockford, Illinois.
Rockford Revisited
Internet Resource List
Oh… the things you will see….
Tinker Swiss Cottage
http://www.tinkercottage.com/
Burpee Natural History Museum
http://www.burpee.org/
Cemetery Research in Rockford Illinois
http://www.comportone.com/getparent.html?cpo/cemeteries/index.html,cpo/cemeteries/n
avi.htm
Rockford Public Library- Local History and Genealogical Room
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilwinneb/rkdpublb.htm
Discovery Center Museum Center
http://www.discoverycentermuseum.org/
Illinois State Preservation Agency
http://www.state.il.us/hpa/
Something to do in Rockford, Illinois
http://www.findsomethingtodo.com/default.asp?l=5
Discover Rockford
http://www.discoverourtown.com/TownPage.php?Town=571&Cat=Attractions
Points of Interest in Rockford
http://www.rockfordillinois.com/points.htm